NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya will never forget the iconic Thursday evening at the jam-packed Wankhede Stadium. About two months ago, during IPL 2024, Pandya faced boos and jeers from the Wankhede crowd. However, those boos turned into resounding cheers as Pandya played a crucial role in Team India's ICC T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in Barbados.
Pandya delivered vital breakthroughs with the ball during the high-stakes final clash against South Africa. He claimed the crucial wickets of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, helping India secure a thrilling victory. India clinched their second T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa by a narrow margin of seven runs.
India captain Rohit Sharma on Thursday lauded Pandya for his exceptional performance in the final over.
"This trophy is for the entire nation. Along with all the players who have represented the country, we want to dedicate it to our fans, who have waited for 11 years," said Rohit during the event.
1/8:List of trophies won by Rohit Sharma
Getty Images
2/8:T20 World Cup 2024
<p>T20 World Cup triumph was all the more remarkable given the scale of the competition, which featured a record 20 teams vying for the coveted title. Under Rohit's astute leadership, India emerged as the undisputed champions, cementing their dominance in the shortest format of the game</p><br /><br />PTI
3/8:Rohit Sharma
<p>Rohit Sharma spearheaded an unstoppable Indian team to a historic victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. </p>AFP
4/8:IPL Trophy
<p>Rohit Sharma has cemented his status as one of the most successful captains in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, leading his team to a remarkable five title wins. This impressive achievement puts him on par with the legendary MS Dhoni, who also boasts five IPL titles as captain. </p>Agencies
5/8:Asia Cup
<p>Rohit Sharma led India to a resounding victory in two Asia Cup, clinching the title as captain and showcasing his leadership prowess. Under his guidance, the team displayed exceptional skill and teamwork, outperforming their opponents to emerge as champions.</p>Agencies
6/8:Champions Trophy
<p>Rohit Sharma led the Mumbai Indians to a thrilling victory in the 2013 Champions League T20, clinching the title with a impressive performance. This triumph marked a significant milestone in Rohit's career, showcasing his leadership skills and ability to perform under pressure.</p>Agencies
7/8:Champions League 2013
<p>Rohit Sharma's career as an opener began with a bang in the 2013 Champions Trophy, where he made a memorable debut in the role, helping India clinch the coveted title. His promotion to the top of the order proved to be a masterstroke, as he formed a formidable partnership with Shikhar Dhawan, and India went on to win the tournament, marking a triumphant start to Rohit's tenure as an opener.</p>Agencies
8/8:T20 World Cup 2007
<p>A youthful Rohit Sharma was part of the Indian team that made history by winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. The tournament, which marked the debut of the T20 format on the global stage, saw India emerge as champions, and Rohit, then just starting his international career, played a vital role in the team's success.<br /></p>AgenciesRohit hailed the Wankhede crowd and said thank you to them.
"Mumbai never disappoints. We got a solid reception. On behalf of the team, we would like to thank the fans. I am very, very happy and relieved," Rohit said during the event," the right-hand batter added.
Rohit, who became the second captain, after MS Dhoni in 2007, to guide India to a T20 World Cup title win, lauded Pandya for his brilliance in the last over of the final.
"Hardik was bowling the final over for us. Hats off to him for bowling that last over. You know, no matter how many runs you need, there is always so much pressure to bowl that over. But hats off to him," the 37-year-old concluded.
Pandya also became the World No. 1 allrounder in T20Is following India's title triumph.
Pandya made impactful contributions down the order with the bat and proved crucial with breakthroughs when the team needed him. He finished the tournament with 144 runs at a striking rate of over 150 and also took 11 wickets.
